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April 30 – May 2, 2013. SIAL Canada is North America’s Premier Agri-food Event, aka “The North American Food Marketplace”. Delegates were there to learn about local, regional and national products from Canada and 45 different countries, all under one roof. A keynote offered insights on consumer shopping, buying and media consumption behaviors and attitudes, to provide foodstuffs manufacturers and retailers with strategic visions to facilitate brand, category and retail sales growth. Another keynoter became inspired to help other people feel better after overcoming her own health challenges through the healing power of food. Delegates heard about a culinary tourism plan for Ontario that brings people and businesses together across agriculture, specialty food processors, wineries, tourism, chefs, foodservice and culinary schools. Also discussed were projects to improve childhood food practices in schools and hospital contexts. Who knew food could do you so much good…?
Dec. 4-6, 2012. Seed Expo is purportedly the largest seed industry trade show in the country. And it’s run by ASTA, the American Seed Trade Association. Membership consists of more than 700 companies involved in production and distribution, plant breeding and related industries. “From Alfalfa to Zucchini and all the agronomic crops in between, the American Seed Trade Association and their partner seed associations are charged with representing the interests and concerns of the seed industry, here at home and around the globe”……… we were reliably informed. “Wherever there is a need for perspective and experience involving seed, ASTA and your state and/or regional seed association are there”. Well, you plant a seed, and in due course…..
Oct. 31 – Nov. 3, 2012. EMDA is the Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association, and they were there to tell you that they are “your partners for Agricultural, Outdoor Power, Light Industrial, Forestry Equipment and Related Parts Components”. So, quite a spread of equipment to talk about. Actually just as big a talking point was the EMDA Golf Outing. This was played at the TPC Sawgrass Golf Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, “perhaps the world’s most famous golf course”. The notorious par-3 17th hole features an island green that makes or breaks many a PGA Tour pro’s round, while providing an unprecedented experience for spectators. So tell me again, what kind of “equipment” do I need for the golf day….?
Oct. 2-6, 2012. Designed for dairy producers and industry partners, World Dairy Expo is a showcase for elite dairy cattle, cutting edge research and modern technologies. No other dairy event in the world compares, we were told. Visitors could graze through the commercial exhibit display area, or watch the virtual farm tours, or get corralled with the Coliseum crowd to see the dairy cattle exhibitors compete for coveted awards, or get caught up in the lively bidding at one of the breed sales, to get your hands on top genetic lines. Producers and their family members could compete in the World Forage Analysis Superbowl, Champion Dairy Products Contest, and the Youth Fitting/Showmanship Contest. 65,000+ dairy industry enthusiasts were reportedly enjoying the fun. That many? Hey, don’t have a cow, man…
Aug. 8-9, 2012. Farmfest claims to be one of the largest agricultural events in the world, and it brings products and services to an audience drawn from every Minnesota county, with many visitors from five neighboring states. What does Farmfest do? Well, a lot of things. Like connecting 35,000+ attendees with over 600 local companies in the farming industry. Like mounting successful field demonstrations which feature the latest technological advancements in farming. Like offering topical educational and political forums highlighting topics relevant to issues that face today’s farmers. The program included a Congressional Candidate Forum on Agricultural and Rural Issues, and a session on The Renewable Fuel Standard…Fueling the Agricultural and Energy Industries. Much of the talk was of the effects of drought on the industry…
We at B-t-B love design, both natural and man made. Since Fridays signify the start of the weekend, instead of cocktails, we wanted to showcase some designs that inspire us.
Today’s feature on Fabricate Friday is of some amazing rice fields in Yunnan China:
 Terraced Rice Fields of Yunnan China This is not a Photoshopped image but actually man made terraced rice fields by the farmers of the Yunnan province in China.
Mar. 01-03, 2012. Billed as the only national agricultural convention and trade show put on by farmers for farmers, Commodity Classic is presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Sorghum Producers. The 2012 Commodity Classic surpassed all previous turnout records with a total of 6,000 attendees, a 25 percent increase from last year’s record. Once again, farm families represented over half of the participants, with 3,500 growers, spouses and children attending. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was there to discuss the importance of an adequate crop insurance program, and creating greater understanding in government of the real world impact of regulations on farming operations. How you gonna keep ‘em down on the farm?
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